<\/p>\n
The debate between the new-age electric powertrain and the traditional ICE has been a hot topic in the automotive community for a long time.\u00a0Though the world moves closer to electrification with every passing day, ICE loyalists stand strong by their cause, especially when it comes to racing.<\/p>\n
Now, there have been talks about electrification in NASCAR, too, and with the board having pledged to go net carbon neutral by 2035, there have been several speculations about the timelines.<\/p>\n
Ever since NASCAR announced an OEM\u2019s re-entry to the sport, the plot has taken a fresh new twist. Ahead of its grand entry, the manufacturer revealed its plans for a highly anticipated pickup truck.<\/p>\n
Why Did Ram Cancel Its Much-Awaited Pickup Truck?<\/p>\n
Ram, owned by the Stellantis group, was developing a full-size e-pickup truck, the Ram 1500. Though the vehicle was supposed to go on sale by the end of last year, the company delayed its release twice.<\/p>\n
While gearheads braced for an update on the vehicle, the company\u2019s latest announcement disappointed many.<\/p>\n
The company highlighted the slowing demand for electric vehicles and canceled plans for its highly ambitious pickup truck.<\/p>\n
When the company made the announcement<\/a>, a spokesperson further clarified the decision, explaining, \u201cAs demand for full-size battery electric trucks slows in North America, Stellantis is reassessing its product strategy and will discontinue development of a full-size BEV pickup.\u201d<\/p>\n However, the company noted the silver lining and announced a truck with an electric generator and a traditional engine. Named Ram 1500 REV, the truck is expected to hit the market next year. But as NASCAR Insider Adam Stern<\/a> puts it, \u201cStellantis\u2019 Ram brand is canceling plans to develop a full-size electric Ram 1500 pickup truck, citing slowing demand for electric vehicles.\u201d<\/p>\n The decision came shortly after Antonio Filosa was appointed as the CEO of Stellantis. Filosa, who hinted at making some tough choices earlier this year, already seems to have made one with the cancellation of the Ram 1500.<\/p>\n Ram\u2019s Re-Entry Into NASCAR and Its Plans in the Sport<\/p>\n Earlier this year, Ram announced its re-entry into NASCAR as the sport\u2019s fourth OEM and unveiled the Ram 1500 concept race truck in Michigan.<\/p>\n Though the company will not directly enter the top tier, it will start with the Truck Series. The manufacturer has partnered with Kaulig Racing and will back all five trucks for the racing team.<\/p>\n